CONDITIONS
Osteoporosis
What is it?
The hallmark of this disease is brittle bones. The weak bones are due to a decreased absorption of calcium into the body and depletion of calcium and bone protein. It is a common type of metabolic bone disease in which bones become thinner and weaker as a part of ageing. The bones are subject to fractures and heal slowly, occurring especially in women following menopause. If it is left untreated, the skeletal bones will become fragile and some of them will be likely to break or fracture, especially the hip and spinal bones.
Osteoporosis is most common in women over the age of 50 years. Following menopause, women experience rapid bone loss due to the decrease in oestrogen production. Any bone can be affected, but of special concern are fractures of the hip and spine. Spinal or vertebral fractures can lead to a loss of height, severe back pain, nerve compression and deformity.
The following risk factors are associated with osteoporosis: smoking, chronic diseases, alcohol consumption, high caffeine consumption, early hysterectomy with associated removal of ovaries, hyperthyroidism and chronic steroid medication usage. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption. Building strong bones by eating calcium-rich foods, maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercising during early life can be the best defence against osteoporosis.
What are the symptoms?
Bone loss occurs without symptoms. People can lose bone mass over a long period of time without being aware of it. The first indication of osteoporosis is frequently a fracture of the spine, hip or wrist following a simple fall. When bone loss is severe and osteoporosis is advanced, the following symptoms can occur:
- Pain in the lower back
- Neck pain
- Leg cramps at night
- General bone pain and tenderness
- Abdominal pain
- Rib pain
- Broken vertebrae
- Brittle fingernails
Loss of height of the vertebrae and a stooped posture are the main effects of osteoporotic spinal fractures.
CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE PAIN
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